Abstract

An attempt was made to use mini-rhizotrons for studying root development in a field experiment with soil compaction in sugar beets. Relative to unwheeled plots traffic with a tractor having single wheels caused increased dry bulk density, vane shear strength and penetration resistance and 5 percent lower yield, than the uncompacted. No differences in root frequencies between the treatments were detected. During a dry period in July a reduction in number of roots was observed. After a rain in August new roots developed in the 0-20 cm layer.